February is dental awareness month. In preschool, we have explored this important health topic through many whole-group discussions, and some learning-center activities.

During whole-group, we discussed the importance of brushing your teeth as your teeth help you to do many things, like "eat", "talk", and "sing". With this, we discussed the 'tools' we use to clean our teeth - toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and/or mouthwash and the proper way to use them. We also discussed what happens if you do not take good care of your teeth, such that you could have too many germs on your teeth which can eventually cause cavities. Last, but certainly not least, we also shared some stories about going to the dentist!

At the smartboard, we worked to sort things (foods or objects) based on if they were good for your teeth, or bad for your teeth. With this, we learned that a lot of the "Unhealthy" things had sugar in them. The "Healthy" things were usually fruits or vegetables, and milk and water.

At our art center, we loved making unhealthy teeth, healthy again, by brushing (painting them white with a tooth brush). This also helped strengthen motor skills.

At our literacy center, we also worked to 'brush away tooth decay' as we uncovered cavities (letters of the alphabet). Again, this helped us strengthen motor muscles as some germs were really tricky to get rid of.

One of the leading dental care program is offered by the Aetna Dental provider. They have been providing financial support to those who are unable to get dental health care. The foundation has existed since 1972 and has been providing assistance since then. Currently, they are known as a major provider in the dental care industry.